What were the major factors that led to the review of the 1990 Constitution and how it was formulated?
In 1990 the interim government promulgated a new Constitution which sought to strengthen ethnic Fijian control of the country. Under this Constitution the positions of President and Prime Minister could only be filled by ethnic Fijians. Thirty-seven of the seventy parliamentary seats could only be filled by ethnic Fijian. This meant that ethnic Fijians retained a majority of seats in parliament. The constitution abolished all forms of non-racial voting. The 1990 Constitution was based on a vision of traditional Fijian society that had never really been accepted throughout the islands of Fiji and which politically excluded half the population. This not only violated Indo-Fijians' rights but undermined the economic prosperity to which indigenous Fijians aspired. There was a need for new constitution which would emphasis on the nation’s harmony and respect for cultural background as it had failed in 1970 and 1990 constitution. The Constitutional Review Commission which was established by Rabuka in 1995 gave a report called Reeves report.(Sir Paul Reeve- Chairperson). Promoting racial harmony, national unity, economical and social progress of all racial background people and considering internationally recognized racial rights.The Commission suggested to facilitate multiethnic governments to allow executive power sharing and solve constitutional problems.
WHAT ARE THE MAJOR POINTS OF THE 1990 AND THE 1997 CONSTITUTION?
1990 Constitution
- The position of President and Prime Minister could only be filled by ethnic Fijians.
- Abolishment of non-racial voting
- Retained the Bicameral Legislature system of the parliament.
- Initial decisions were entrusted to the Native Land Commission
- Enhanced security of Fiji's property (land) and other interests.
- The stabilizing task of the opposition leader was greatly reduced.
1997 Constitution
- Constitutional Change led to the election of Fiji’s first ever Indian Prime Minister, Mahendra Chaudhry in 1999.
- Ethnic Fijians consented to surrender their ensured dominant part in the House of Representatives and their syndication on the Prime Minister's office, yet consequently, their responsibility for of the land was composed into the constitution. Their privileges were likewise secured by regulating of the Great Council of Chiefs, which held its capacity to choose the President and 14 of the 32 Senators.